Kavalan launches entry-level Distillery Select

Taiwan-based whisky maker Kavalan has launched Distillery Select in the US and Europe, which is said to offer “quality at a good price”.

The expression has aged in refill casks at the distillery in Yilan, Taiwan, creating a whisky with notes of “soft toffee and lively fruits”. Master blender and global brand ambassador Ian Chang said: “Kavalan is known for quality, because this is our focus. But now, with Distillery Select, we are giving people quality at a very good price." The new whisky will be distributed across Europe by La Maison du Whisky and in America through distributor Hotaling & Co. Hotaling & Co president and CEO Dennis Carr said: "Kavalan Distillery Select meets the demand for a Kavalan to satisfy both the single malt purist who wants it neat or on the rocks, and for the cocktail enthusiast." In the US, Distillery Select is bottled at 43% abv and carries an RRP of US$59. In Europe it is bottled at 40% abv with an RRP of €49 (US$55.70). La Maison du Whisky CEO Thierry Benitah said: "Rich and complex in the mouth with sweet vanilla and toffee notes. Distillery Select is not only a great sipping whisky, it is also a unique mixable single malt." Earlier this year, The Spirits Business spoke to Chang about creating Taiwan’s first whisky.